Love's Game

Chapter Eighteen

"Move Ali!" Lillian shouted in frustration at her cousin who was leaning back against her door, blocking her escape. She clenched her valise tighter and glared at him, but he just crossed his arms over his chest and grinned at her. She groaned and dropped her valise and turned her back on him, she looked about the room.

"Planning your escape little lamb? Or are you perhaps searching for a weapon?" He asked and she glared at him over her shoulder once more. He raised his brow at her in challenge and she sighed, her shoulders drooping.

"I told you Ali. It's time for us to leave. I will make my apologies to Lady Elena, but we shouldn't be here." She whispered and he finally left his spot against the door to move closer to her. He grabbed her shoulders and turned her to face him, concern clearly evident in his crystal eyes.

"Lily, what happened this time? Should I not have left you alone?" He whispered and she bit her lip, which was all the clue Allister needed. He smiled softly at her and cupped her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes. She looked up and fought against the tears threatening. She had never been so confused in her entire life. Drake brought on so many emotions at once that she wasn't sure which one to focus on and feeling them all at once was overwhelming. His words from last night continued to loop in her head.

'You are very wrong about one thing...' What had he meant by that? Was he speaking of her claiming him not wanting her? She sighed caught up in her thoughts now and they only added to her melancholy. She was sure that Drake wanted her, but not like she did him. He was attracted to her and thanks to many of her novels, she was no stranger to the idea of lust. That was what Drake wanted. A night of passion, the use of her body and nothing more. She wanted so much more. She knew that the reason she was so confused and upset with him was because in a matter of minutes he had stolen her heart.

"You seem lost little lamb. Do you need a shepherd to guide you back?" Allister chuckled and she blinked, being pulled from her own thoughts. He laughed again and patted her cheek.

"Welcome back. Now listen to me little lamb. You are not going anywhere! Not when we are so close. You are going to get that cute rear of yours downstairs and you are going to have tea with Elena. Lady Odette made her gracious exit this morning and no doubt Lady Victoria will realize why and follow, at least if she's not addle-brained."

Lillian smothered a giggle, which made Allister smile wider. He released her and nodded, satisfied that he had calmed his cousin enough to see reason. He held out his arm and Lillian's smile fell.

"Allister..."

"Yes little lamb?" He raised his brow at her once more and she came up to him. He blinked at the look in her eyes. Her eyes were bright and pleading with him, for what he didn't know. He subtly swallowed as an unwanted voice encouraged him. He swatted it away and focused back on Lillian and what she was saying.

"Promise me that after today. If I say so...you'll take me home." She said and shined those large, green orbs that could sway him with just a glance. He sighed and nodded, hoping that Elena was correct in her boasting this morning that she had won herself a daughter. Lillian gave a soft smile and wrapped her arm through his and allowed him to lead her to the sitting room. He watched her as they walked and felt a wave of melancholy wash over him. He wasn't usually the sentimental type, except when it came to his little lamb.

He wanted her happiness. He wanted to see Lillian happy and shining with love, for that's all she deserved. He would be sad to lose her hero's admiration and her dependence on him, but he couldn't be the only man in her life forever. She deserved whatever her heart desired, even if that was a dark duke that didn't fully appreciate the jewel that had walked into his life. Allister hoped that he wasn't leading Lillian astray, or to certain misery by pushing her towards Drake.